Does your little one get frequent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)? The doctor may have told you that this is because urine flows backwards from the bladder, towards the kidneys. Medically, this condition is called Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) . Don't be afraid to hear this name and think it's a serious illness. This is a condition that is seen in children. There is now a very simple, safe and effective treatment for this. Today, we are talking about a treatment called Deflux .
What is Deflux?
Simply put, Deflux is a gel-like liquid substance. It is given as an injection. It works by stopping urine from flowing back up the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Think of it like a valve in the pipes that come from our water tank at home that is designed to allow water to flow only in one direction. Also, when this Deflux gel is injected into the area where the urethra connects to the bladder, a small bulge forms there and acts like a natural valve. This allows urine to flow in the right direction, that is, out of the bladder, and completely prevents it from going backwards.
This treatment is performed by a urologist, a doctor who specializes in urological diseases. Cystoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a camera-equipped tube (cystoscope) is inserted into the bladder.
What situations require Deflux treatment?
This treatment is most often used to treat VUR, a condition seen in children. However, it is sometimes used in adults as well. VUR can cause urine to flow backward into the kidneys. The danger is that this can lead to frequent urinary tract infections, kidney scarring, and other complications over time.
For most children, VUR will resolve on its own as they get older. However, Deflux is a great solution to prevent kidney damage while you wait for it to resolve.
Imagine that your child gets a urinary tract infection with fever every few months. He takes medicine every time, but it keeps coming back. It is only when the doctor does tests that he discovers that he has VUR. This is when Deflux treatment becomes very useful.
| Impact of VUR condition | The solution provided by Deflux |
|---|---|
| Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs). | It stops urine from flowing backward, preventing bacteria from reaching the kidneys and reducing the risk of infection. |
| Kidney scarring over time. | Protects the kidneys, preventing long-term damage and complications. |
| The child has the potential to heal naturally as they grow. | It acts as a protection for the kidneys until the child's body heals naturally. |
What is this Deflux made of?
There's nothing to worry about with this product. It's made entirely from natural, biodegradable ingredients.
- Dextranomer: This is a polysaccharide, a carbohydrate made up of sugar molecules. It is also used in the manufacture of medicines and wound cleansing products.
- Hyaluronic acid gel: This is also a polysaccharide. It is something that occurs naturally in our bodies. You may have heard that it is also widely used in beauty products because it helps moisturize the skin.
This gel is replaced by our own tissues over time and is safely absorbed by the body. However, it does not affect the success of the treatment.
How do you prepare for treatment and how is it performed?
Your doctor will give you clear instructions about this. Usually, you will be asked to fast for a few hours before the treatment. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking. Never stop taking your or your child's medications without your doctor's advice.
The treatment process is very simple:
1. First, the child is given general anesthesia . So they will not feel any pain or discomfort.
2. A numbing gel is applied to the urethra.
3. Then, a thin tube with a camera attached (cystoscope) is passed through the urethra and into the bladder.
4. To better see inside the bladder, it is filled with saline.
5. Then, a needle is passed through that tube and Deflux gel is injected into the area where the urethra connects to the bladder.
6. When the work is finished, the needle and tube are removed, and any water in the bladder is removed.
The entire procedure takes less than 30 minutes . This is not an outpatient procedure. This means you can go home immediately after the treatment is complete.
What happens after treatment? And what to watch out for
After the treatment, your child may feel a little dizzy. It is best to rest at home for the rest of the day. The doctor may also do another test (voiding cystourethrogram - VCUG) to see if the treatment is successful.
It is normal to see the following for a day or two after treatment:
- Reluctance to urinate or drink fluids.
- Reporting burning or pain when urinating.
- Incontinence or bedwetting.
- Pink color in urine.
These will completely disappear in a day or two. Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids. Also, be careful not to go more than 8 hours without urinating.
| When to call your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Inability to urinate | If the child has not urinated for 8-10 hours. |
| Severe pain | Painful urination, or severe pain in the abdomen, back, or sides, persists for two days after treatment. |
| Fever | If the body temperature is higher than 38.6 Celsius (101.5 Fahrenheit). |
| Other features | Frequent vomiting, bladder spasms lasting more than 24 hours, or back/hip pain. |
Deflux treatment has a success rate of between 70% and 93%. Results are particularly good in the early stages of the disease (lower grade VUR).
Take-Home Message
- VUR (retrograde urinary tract infection) is a condition that is common in children. It can cause frequent urinary tract infections and damage the kidneys.
- Deflux is a very safe, simple, and effective injection treatment for this.
- This takes less than 30 minutes, is performed under anesthesia, and you can go home the same day without having to stay in the hospital. The recovery time is very short.
- Each treatment has its pros and cons. So, decide which treatment is best for your child, talk to your doctor, and get all the details.
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